The Voice News:Tensions have escalated in Chattogram over the proposed lease of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at the port. Dubai-based multinational DP World’s bid to take over operations has sparked worker unrest, political opposition, and growing security concerns—further intensified by the recent entry of 34 DP World officials into the terminal, including 21 Indian nationals.
According to the Chattogram Port Authority and related sources, the NCT lease has not yet been finalized. Although the proposal is still under review on a Government-to-Government (G2G) basis, DP World officials have entered the terminal, conducting inspections and engaging in what many see as premature occupation. This has created severe uncertainty and job-loss fears among port workers and employees.
“Lease Not Finalized, Yet Occupation Already Underway!”
Workers’ unions argue that any form of operational presence before the formal handover of such a strategically vital infrastructure is unacceptable. Kazi Sheikh Nurullah Bahar, divisional general secretary of the Nationalist Workers’ Party in Chattogram, said, “DP World hasn’t been granted the lease yet. Still, their officials are moving around inside the port. We are warning that they must not be seen here in the future.”
DP World’s Deputy General Manager Tanvir Hossain had applied for gate passes to the port chairman Rear Admiral S. M. Moniruzzaman on April 15. The following day, the port authority granted access to the NCT. Among the delegation were 21 Indian nationals; others were from South Africa, UAE, the Netherlands, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Finland.
Workers Threaten Work Stoppage
Mohammad Ibrahim Khokon, chief coordinator of the Nationalist Workers’ Party at the Chattogram Port, declared, “We clearly state that we do not want any foreign operator or Saif Powertec involved. This is a national asset, not a matter of private interest.”
He reported that some DP World officials were seen inside the terminal identifying rooms they claimed to need, while others were examining equipment and questioning whether current staff could operate it—actions that have triggered strong reactions from employees.
Khokon added, “We are giving the government until June 16. If the lease decision is not revoked by then, we will observe a four-hour work stoppage on June 22 from 9 AM to 1 PM.”
Uncertain Future of the Lease
Constructed in 2007 with Tk 8,000 crore from domestic funding, the NCT currently handles about 55% of the country’s containerized cargo. It is equipped with modern machinery and generates over Tk 1,000 crore in annual revenue.
Despite this, the Ministry of Shipping decided to lease it to a foreign operator. Under the previous Awami League government, the deal with DP World progressed significantly, with even a transaction adviser appointed by the PPP Authority. However, following the political transition, the interim government reopened the matter for reconsideration. Protests against the move have since erupted among labor unions and political groups across the country.
Saif Powertec’s current operational contract expires on July 6. With no confirmed successor, uncertainty looms. The port authority has formally sought guidance from the Ministry of Shipping. Acting Secretary of Chattogram Port Md. Nasir Uddin stated, “We are waiting for instructions from the ministry.”
DP World’s Silence, Suspicion over Indian Delegates
Attempts to contact Shamim Ul Haque, CEO of DP World Bangladesh, went unanswered. Meanwhile, many view the sudden entry of Indian officials into the port as a form of “strategic preoccupation.”
Analysts suggest that the presence of 21 Indian officials, even under the guise of technical inspection, is geopolitically sensitive—especially in light of recent diplomatic friction between Bangladesh and India and the strategic importance of the Chattogram Port.
Chattogram on Edge, Awaiting Government Decision
Currently, the most talked-about issue in Chattogram is the presence of DP World officials inside the NCT. The combination of worker unrest, political concerns, and strategic uncertainty is driving the situation toward volatility.
All eyes are now on the government’s decision—whether it proceeds with a foreign operator or retains control through national means. June 16 and June 22 could prove pivotal in shaping the future of the Chattogram Port.